MS SC576

Proposes amendment to Section 124 of the Mississippi Constitution of 1890 to require the Governor obtain a favorable recommendation from the State Parole Board before granting pardons or commuting sentences.

Maintains existing constitutional requirements for pardon procedures, including the 30-day publication requirement in a newspaper and prohibition on pardons before conviction.

Preserves the Governor's existing powers regarding reprieves, remission of fines, and forfeitures, with no changes to those provisions.

Scheduled for voter approval at the election on the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November 2012.

Ballot explanation states: "This proposed constitutional amendment will provide that the Governor may grant pardons and commute sentences only if he has a favorable recommendation from the State Parole Board."